BookPath
First Family
David Baldacci

First Family

Quick Answer

Read "First Family" as the 4th book in the King and Maxwell sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Simple Genius" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2021326 ppWikidataSource
Following the instant #1 New York Times bestseller Simple Genius, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell return in David Baldacci's most heart-pounding thriller to date . . . FIRST FAMILYIt began with what seemed like an ordinary children's birthday party. Friends and family gathered to celebrate. There were balloons and cake, games and gifts. This party, however, was far from ordinary. It was held at Camp David, the presidential retreat. And it ended with a daring kidnapping . . . which immediately turned into a national security nightmare. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell were not looking to become involved. As former Secret Service agents turned private investigators, they had no reason to be. The FBI doesn't want them interfering. But years ago, Sean King saved the First Lady's husband, then a senator, from political disaster. Now, Sean is the one person the First Lady trusts, and she presses Sean and Michelle into the desperate search to rescue the abducted child. With Michelle still battling her own demons, and forces aligned on all sides against her and Sean, the two are pushed to the absolute limit. In the race to save an innocent victim, the line between friend and foe will become impossible to define . . . or defend.
Next Recommended Book

The Sixth Man

Book #5 of 6 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for King and Maxwell conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading First Family?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read First Family before Simple Genius?

No. We recommend reading Simple Genius first. First Family is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is First Family required reading for the King and Maxwell?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after First Family in the reading order?

The next recommended book after First Family is The Sixth Man (Book #5).